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Auto Shop Safety

jaschmidt | Jan 27, 2010 |

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In running an auto shop business, part of the auto shops' maintenance is to have an accountability of all existing tools in use. Auto shop tools are quite specialized and can cause accidents and/or injure people if not properly placed in a secured place or maintained in top condition. They can also be dangerous if not properly handled by a less-trained staff. Safety and zero accidents should be first and foremost in any business establishments because a community often finds auto shops as important.

Business establishments always aim to attend to matters of safety to avoid man-hour loss and incur additional losses. One good example of hazardous tools and equipment found in auto shops is the band saw. This particular tool has a constant band of metal teeth which can be unsafe if not properly handled and well-kept in an auto shop. Accidents arising from band saw include fingers and other arm parts getting amputated. Automotive skills and expertise are part of the services provided by an auto shop but ensuring safety to both the customers and auto shop staff should not be overlooked.

There are plenty of potential hazards present in an auto shop. Some of them include power cords and hoses which might lie around while not in use. A good way to maintain safety is by using air hose reels. Air hose reels are self-retracting and can be mounted on walls. This way, it cannot impede the pathway of customers and workers leading that can lead to accidents in an auto shop. Usually, normal hoses for air tools are left unattended by a mechanic after use. With the installation of air hose reels in an auto shop, storing and removing can be made by a simple tug on the hose. Besides this type storage system can be very convenient on the part of the mechanic and other workers in the auto shop.

In an auto shop, grease and oil are likely to spill on the floor. These substances can be dangerous if not immediately cleaned as well as stored in spill compartment kits. Trained auto shop personnel are aware of this and always maintain alertness to preempt accidents.

Mechanics and technicians working in an auto shop should always wear eye protections. Fragments are thrown out from grinders and needle scalars that are dangerous to the eyes upon contact. Thus, wearing eye-protection will serve as deterrents from possible accidents of this nature. Even assistants working near these machines are also unsafe aside from the machine's operator. Other substances that pose threats to the eyes are gasoline and chemicals. Although gasoline can only cause eye discomfort they are fire hazards which could bring about extensive damages. Chemicals on the other hand have potent ingredients that can cause blindness or respiratory ailments.

To further prevent accidents from occurring, hands and feet protection are provided with protective gears. In most cases, mechanics wear gloves while working on the vehicle to prevent burns and cuts. This is important especially if they are handling solvents and other chemicals. Further, workers should wear non-slip shoes as a precautionary measure against accidental oil and grease spills.

The wearing of wrist watch and other forms of jewelry is also discouraged to avoid snags or entanglement with other objects particularly those that are being hoisted. The result might be devastating since common accidents while wearing these items includes accidental strangling and crushing of fingers.

Accidents happen not only in auto shops but in other business establishments as well. The working staff should at all times be safety conscious to prevent accidents from happening. They should always be on guard that their working environment is secure and safe. Any electrical equipment should be turned off from the main switch if not in use. Accidental turning on of the machine happens and can prove to be hazardous to other workers who are not in charge of the machine.

Auto shops are just some of the business establishments that are prone to accidents due to the tools and substances being used in it operations. As long as individual workers are well aware of their responsibilities, accidents can be avoided.